In the shadows

The walk back to the tent was short since Jason ignored anyone who tried to get in his way. A few nobles or stray commoners did greet him, though the serious look on his face was enough to dissuade them away. Already the Surgebinder was thinking over all the conversation he had overheard between Tywin and Cersei along with his chat with the noble. All it did was cement his distrust towards both the Lannister patriarch and the queen, who both seemed focused on the political game happening in the shadows. It seemed obvious neither truly knew who was behind Jon Arryn's death, but they were obviously working towards a power grab with his passing. Yet what or how was the real question.

Entering his tent, he'd snap out of his thoughts when he saw someone pacing around the table, making Jason tense for a moment before recognizing who it was. "Davos?"

The sea captain glanced to Jason before giving a big friendly grin and stepped forward for a quick handshake. "Congratulations on the victory Jason. Gods it was a battle of a lifetime seeing you take down the Mountain and the King Slayer. I'm sorry I couldn't speak to you sooner, just you ran off so quickly after the Melee. I assumed you needed the rest."

"What about Lord Eddard?"

"He's retired for the night along with his daughters. Shared a fine dinner with all three, can say the girls are quite the unique pair…if quite contrasting. Arya won't stop remarking about every move you pulled out in detail. The girl has a sharp eye and mind to have noticed everything from so far."

"A bit of natural talent I think. She's proven that after just a few sword lessons." Jason remarked in agreement. "Still, why the late visit? I'd imagine you'd be back in the city and to your ship."

"Aye you'd think that…however the matter at hand is very political." Glancing a bit, he'd lean in to mutter. "Uh…there isn't anyone overhearing us is there?"

For a moment Jason paused as he'd slowly pace around the tent, his hone senses listening for anyone lurking just outside. Once he did a full circle, he'd nod which made Davos relax before he'd speak again in a low voice.

"I'll admit Jason. I have deceived you for a while."

"Deceived me on what?"

"My reason being here. It's beyond just trading and gathering ship supplies but spying. How well do you know about Lord Stannis, Robert's brother?"

"Only that he's the Master of Ships and what you've shared with me. Seems like he was very upstanding if overly seriously lord from what I can tell. I know he left quite suddenly just days after Jon died."

"That be true. Despite rumours though, he's one of the most honest and dutiful men I've met in my life." Davos took a deep breath now, collecting himself. "Stannis left for Dragonstone because he knew Jon was close to finding the truth about the Lannisters, mainly that behind Queen Cersei."

"What truth?"

"Her children…he believed they weren't truly Robert's."

"So you mean he believed them to be bastards? That is a serious claim towards Lady Cersei to cheat and purposefully set those children up as false heirs. The problem is proving that."

"Which was why Stannis believed Jon Arryn was killed! The former Hand was close to having such evidence, enough that would have even Robert believe such claims. Stannis never learned what this proof was before fleeing to his Keep, which is why I've been visiting so often to try and find some trail to pick up on."

"Which I happened to be on…clever."

Davos nodded. "I was making plans to contact you when I learned you served for Lord Eddard, yet fate decided we'd met on different terms."

"So I take you've shared this information with Eddard as well?"

"Of course! If anything the news seemed to trouble him as he seemed to realize something. Mentioned something about a tome dedicated to the lineages of the great houses. Perhaps there was some clue in it that he recognized."

"Maybe. I'll have to ask him about it once we return to the keep." Jason paused to think for a moment, wondering how to approach this. "If what you say is true then all that leaves is learning who the royal children's true father is."

"Stannis wasn't too certain himself. Again much of this search was done on Jon's part."

"What if they are wrong though? If anything I can see Stannis making such a claim just to discredit his brother's children and deny Joffrey his rightful place to the throne."

Davos had a bit of a baffled look at the suggestion. "Stannis would never grab for power in such an underhanded way. This man has struggled hard for all his life to get to where he is, even when he was denied the credit he was due for the blood and effort are given. While he did demand to be recognized for his actions and birthright, he'd never stoop so low to steal for such power."

It was quite the impassioned speech and from the way Davos kept that unweaving look showed the captain meant every word.

"And I believe you. Again I'm just looking at this from all angles because if we make a mistake we'll have a lot of people being blamed and branded as traitors."

"With truth comes its risks." Davos sighed.

"Indeed. For now though just keep your Lord informed while Eddard and I focus on this matter. If something new does come up you'll be the first to know."

"Thank you. I value your trust deeply Jason."

Again they shook hands before the sea captain stepped back, giving a small yawn and stretch. "Secrets aside…I feel it's time I head back. Ugh…a long ride back to the ship that is for sure."

"Roads should be lit by these hours, so I'm sure you'll have no trouble. Still, watch yourself out there Seaworth."

"I will. You are mindful yourself." Turning to leave though, he'd nearly bump into a portly man dressed in tanned leather and a sizable head cap which covered most of his upper head, some courtier by the looks of it. "Ah! Apologies!"

"None needed sire. My mistake of rushing in unannounced." The man answered back formally.

Davos nodded, seeming in a hurry as he'd leave the tent with a short parting wave back to The Surgebinder. Jason's attention though was set on the courtier who'd approach him.

"I have an important message from King Robert himself. He deeply apologizes for not being able to invite you for a private dinner tonight because of…complications. Thus he has requested you come with him on a royal hunt in three days."

"A hunt? Surprised he'd organize one so soon after the games." Jason questioned, "Care to explain that…Varys."

At that point the 'courtier' glanced up, an amused smile hinting his thin lips as the Master of Whispers better shared his face. Indeed he had put on some makeup to disguise his soft features, yet Jason's sharp eyes could see through it all.

"Impressive. What gave me away?"

"The perfume you have on. The same stuff you wore at the Small Council meeting. Very distinct scent considering."

"Nose is as sharp as your wit and eyes Surgebinder. As expected of a man of your many surprising talents." The spymaster complimented, giving a cheery grin as well.

"So what brings you here? Doubt you played dress up just to watch the tourney without being hassled."

"This disguise has always been useful blending into such events. Let's me get by and overhear anything…suspicious that warrant my attention."

"Such as between me and Davos?"

"And Lord Tywin. I must say you walked a fine line speaking so openly with him, while not being too hostile." The added remark drew some surprise to the Surgebinder, questioning how the man got close enough to overhear. However, he decided to not ask, feeling he'd just get a half answer on the matter.

"So then…what do you plan to do? Do you deem me a threat suddenly?"

"Not yet, although you've complicated matters through your victory at the Melee. By now it's obvious you're quite the deadly warrior and cunning man."

Jason crossed his arms, a hint of annoyance on his face. "Getting to a point yet? If not, then I'd like you to leave…"

"It's about the claims Davos shared with you. In truth, I've been following up on such rumours as well."

"Now? So what do you believe in then?"

"Only that things in court and across the Seven Kingdoms will become quite chaotic, a situation I'd greatly wish to avoid." He'd turn to leave the tent, stopping at the flap. "Your answers are much closer than you think Jason. Both you and Lord Stark have been looking too broadly. Sometimes the most complex answer is simply the one in front of you."

"Right…vague clues…my favourite spy trick," Jason muttered as Varys slipped out of the tent. Only a few moments later did the bald man's head peek in quickly.

"Also I wasn't lying about King Robert's invitation. Hope your hunting skills are up to par." With a small polite smile, Varys slipped out of view once more, at last leaving the Surgebinder alone.

Jason gave a deep sigh as he'd sit at his cot, eyes closing as he'd think deeply over the news and the spymaster's words. Already he was beginning to see a connection to it all. All it came down to King Robert himself giving the final pieces he needed to be certain and for Eddard to find whatever shocking link he had realized. If anything the invitation to the hunt was the perfect opportunity to privately question the King without being overheard and while he was in good spirits.

"All comes down to one point…" Jason muttered to himself before glancing at the locked chest where Dragon Flag was tucked away. If the person he believed had owned the dagger back in Winterfell was who he thought it was, then things were only going to escalate no matter what. For now, he'd relax on the cot, sighing as the stressful day had taken its toll as he'd drift to sleep.